Atenea Rosado-Viurques
Courtesy Photo
Las Vegas, N.M. – Atenea Rosado-Viurques, Mexican educator, activist and public policy expert, is the keynote speaker for the New Mexico Highlands International Women’s Day Celebration March 8.
The free public celebration will be from 4 – 7 p.m. in the Highlands Student Center Ballroom, 800 National Ave.
“Atenea Rosado-Viruques is a Bartos Institute Fellow from the United World College – USA and an international leader in human rights and social justice,” said Erika Derkas, Highlands sociology professor and co-director of the Women’s Studies Program. “We’re very fortunate to have someone of her caliber, who is also central in promoting empowerment of Mexican and Central American female immigrants, speak at our celebration.”
Rosado-Viurques represented Mexico in creating the Post 2015 Agenda for Latin America. She serves as the president for Fundación Ala Izquierda, which promotes social and economic equality. During 2013, she was an adviser to the Colima, Mexico, state government and the Haitan federal government in collaboration with The American Friends Service Committee.
Rosado-Viurques is a frequent speaker at international conferences. She holds a master’s degree from Columbia University in the Department of International and Transcultural Studies Teachers College and graduated with honors in pedagogy from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. She is also an alumna of Mahindra United World College of India.
The International Women’s Day Celebration also includes Highlands University students singing and reading original poetry. Shanea Strachan, Highlands media arts and technology alumna and award-winning author, will perform spoken word works.
The African Chorus from the United World College – USA will also perform. The college’s Global Issues Solidarity Group will be discussing women warriors of the world.
“The program celebrates the achievements of women worldwide and honors their contributions to a wide range of causes. This celebration is part of an ongoing partnership with the United World College –USA and we’re delighted to be working with them again. Everyone is welcome at this celebration,” Derkas said.
The celebration also includes a potluck of diverse foods prepared by Highlands University students.
Sponsors for the International Women’s Day celebration include Highlands University’s Women’s Studies program, the United World College – USA, and the Highlands Womyn’s Center.
Derkas said this is the 8th Annual Women’s Day Celebration at Highlands. It is one of thousands of events being held worldwide to mark International Women’s Day on March 8.